Glow with Gua Sha; A Guide to Radiant Skin
Gua Sha, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is an effective tool-assisted type of massage and a valuable complement to a facial treatment.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In Chinese medicine, it is believed that your energy (or chi) is meant to move throughout your body. When this energy becomes stagnant; disease, illness and injury can occur. Back in the day, the Ming dynasty used coins or stones to perform Gua Sha, but now-a-days a flat, smooth stone made of a semi-precious gem has been created. At Solrae Wellness, I incorporate the Gua Sha technique to release muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and improve overall circulation by moving stagnant qi (the body’s energy flow) and blood to promote natural healing. The scraping process is non-invasive, and helps to relax and restore strained muscles without leaving cupping marks. The pressure that I apply varies depending on the treatment’s purpose and the client’s tolerance, and it’s often a very individualized experience.
Gua Sha Technique
Wildling Gua Sha Tools
Gua Sha Tools:
I choose to use the artisan crafted, highest grade Bian Stone by Wildling. It is the best-selling, award-winning, patented facial gua sha tool designed to lift, sculpt, tone, and de-puff the skin. It was perfected for over two years by Wildling founders: and one of them happens to be a holistic esthetician just like myself. Each specific tool can be used in a different area on the head. The comb can be used on the scalp, the small rounded piece—under the eye, and the rounded portion on the arrowhead— across the top of the eyebrow (pictured above). Before using the bian stone, the skin needs to be prepped with an oil, two of my favorites being jojoba oil and the lipid booster biodynamic facial oil by Sunshine Botanicals.
What are the benefits of Gua Sha?
The benefits of Gua Sha are important to understand because this is a versatile technique that cannot only bring incredible results to a customized holistic facial, it can also be taught and used in your home beauty routine. The movement across the skin and face helps to stimulate circulation. Healthy circulation helps the skin heal quicker, and creates a brighter complexion. The flow of circulation leads to decreased puffiness, because the fluid in the skin is being removed. Some of the fluids being removed contain stagnant lymph, which causes swollen skin, acne, dullness and other skin issues. The release of this lymph helps to sculpt the face. And the flow of blood aids in diminishing dark circles under the eye. Gua Sha can even help with tension in the head that causes headaches. Come and see these tangible results by booking a Gua Sha Sculpting Facial with me.
Gua Sha Technique
Regular facials reveal refreshed skin, promote cell turnover, boost collagen and elastin production, and maintain a healthy skin barrier—well-hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to premature aging. As you age, the barrier or your skin becomes more fragile due to the decreased production of collagen. Start your CONSISTENT skincare journey at SolRae by scheduling your Pumpkin Spice Renewal Fall Facial! This luxurious treatment features a deep double cleanse, My Skin Buddy regimen, microdermabrasion, and a rejuvenating organic pumpkin or apple enzyme peel. Some special comforts include a soothing apple cider scalp treatment, a warm steam session infused with fall-scented essential oils session coupled with a facial massage, all finished with Sunshine Botanical products for a glowing, fall-ready complexion.
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Gua Sha Sculpting Workshop
Interested in learning the Gua Sha technique yourself? On November 21st, please join us at Solrae Wellness in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a Holiday Glow Gua Sha Sculpting Workshop. Enjoy appetizers & functional mocktails while learning how to sculpt, tone, and lift your face using Gua Sha techniques taught by our certified Gua Sha practitioner. Ticket includes your very own personal Gua Sha stone, mini facial oil, exclusive facial and product deals, plus your chance to win a FREE Gua Sha Sculpting Facial ($150 Value). Come prepped makeup-free, if possible, as this will be a hands-on class.
